Sam Doyle, principal of Otaki-based immersion school Te Kura-a-Iwi o Whakatupuranga Rua Mano, said the process of becoming officially bilingual formalised what was already going on with the town's young people.

"It's kind of hard not to be affected by it, even for those kids in mainstream schools.

"The pronunciation of all Maori words trickles easily off the lips of our young kids."

"It's awesome. I think we'd be very proud to be acknowledged."

United Video Otaki co-owner Geoff Carre, who is from Britain, said he supported the move, and tried to greet and farewell his customers in te reo as much as possible.

"I think it's a great thing. I think every person's culture should be kept going."

​Maori Party co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell said discussions had been held with Otaki and Rotorua about becoming bilingual, and Wairoa also had a similar goal.

"This is something that is attainable – Otaki could realise what it is like to be a bilingual town.

"There is potential to partner with government, local government, community and Maori to trial a bilingual approach.

"We'd love for more communities and towns to become bilingual and believe Otaki, and perhaps Rotorua and Wairoa, could become the catalyst for others to follow suit."